Well the next time you decide to pass on by this gaping plateau you will definitely see some progress in transforming the additional 6.8 hectares of park space into a brand new community gem. Empire Field is a part of a master plan proposed to enhance the Hastings Park of today into a greener, year-round destination for recreation, and fun.

Hastings Park is recognized as Vancouver’s second biggest park and city-wide asset. Essentially, the master plan for the east Vancouver park is to amalgamate 30 hectares of green space. Vancouverites can expect the park and recreational amenities to be added by fall 2014. These mostly include:

Full size soccer fields with Junior soccer and Ultimate lines

Abundant spectator seating

Parking lot with approximately 75 stalls

Greenway of undulating terrain

3.25 km of pedestrian and bicycle paths

Rubberized surface running track

Parkour area

Sand volleyball courts

Improvements to the entrance to Leeside Tunnel skate park

Empire Field has always been a place of great events historically as such:

1958: Empire Stadium Ski Jump

Photo: City of Vancouver Archives

1964: Hastings Park and Empire Stadium completion aerial.

Photo: City of Vancouver Archives

2010: Empire Field became the temporary stadium for the BC Lions’ season while BC Place was undergoing renovations.

Image: Vancity Buzz

2011: The Whitecaps FC made their debut into the MLS by defeating Toronto FC 4-2.